18th January, 2013
A private power generation and distribution plant in Nigeria will commence operation by March 2013, the Managing Director of the company, Mrs Agatha Nnaji, has said.
Nnaji said this on Friday said when she conducted the National Good Governance team round the plant in Alaoji, Aba in Abia.
She said that all the major and ancillary work had been completed.
Nnaji said the three turbines at the power plant had been installed and the gas supply pipeline from Shell Petroleum facility close to the plant had been completed.
“We have completed all the major works on this project; we have laid the pipeline for the supply of gas to the plant.
“The distribution facility is also near completion, so by March, the first turbine will be fired and the remaining two will follow shortly,’’ she said.
She added that the company had completed the construction of four substations at different locations in Abia and planned to refurbish three substations that were bought over from PHCN.
She said that the company was making arrangements to absorb some former staff of PHCH.
NAN reports that the plant located in Osisioma community is designed to generate 140 mega watts of electricity to Aba and its environs.
The plant is made up of three gas turbines, each designed to generate 47 mega watts.
NAN also reports that the plant is being constructed by a South African firm, Group Five Ltd.
In his remark, the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, commended the management of the company for their foresight and courage in venturing into the power business.
Maku said that the commencement of operation at the power plant would boost public confidence in the present administration’s power reforms.